Location Tracking Service Selection for Power and Accuracy Trade-offs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location tracking devices face issues with power depletion and improper operation, leading to loss of location information due to varying power requirements and accuracy across different location determination services.
Innovation Solution
The system selects among multiple location determination services, including satellite, WiFi, cell tower, and non-associated device-based services, based on factors like power status, cost, and accuracy, to ensure continuous and reliable location tracking for monitored individuals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite location determination service is used, then location accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between different location determination services based on real-time conditions. It switches from high-accuracy satellite-based services to lower-power alternative services when battery level drops below a threshold, and returns to satellite-based services when power is sufficient, optimizing the balance between accuracy and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of location determination by switching between different services (satellite-based vs. alternative services) based on the battery level parameter. When battery level exceeds the threshold, it uses satellite-based services for high accuracy; when below the threshold, it uses alternative services to conserve power
2Reliability
If multiple location determination services are implemented, then service reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal location determination framework that can utilize multiple different services (satellite-based location services and alternative location services) through a single integrated architecture. The processor is designed to selectively activate appropriate services based on conditions, making the system multi-functional without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and separates the location determination functionality into distinct service modules (satellite-based services and alternative services). This modular extraction allows the system to manage multiple services independently and select from them based on battery level, improving reliability while keeping each individual service component simpler
3Reliability
If location determination services are used continuously, then location tracking reliability is improved, but power depletion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic monitoring of battery level and implements periodic switching between location determination services. Instead of continuous operation at high power, it periodically assesses power status and alternates between high-accuracy and power-saving modes, maintaining tracking reliability while reducing overall power depletion
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by using alternative location determination services instead of continuously using the most power-intensive satellite-based services. When battery level is low, it deliberately uses a subset of available services (alternative services) rather than all services, reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate tracking reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments provide systems and methods for selecting one of a number of location determination services supported by a monitoring system. The monitoring system may include a user attached monitor device configured to support a first subset of the location determination services and a user detached monitor device configured to support a second subset of the location determination services. In other cases, the monitoring system may include only a user attached monitor device or a user detached monitor device.